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Rocky Ford Mayor Urges Governor Polis to Fund Critical Obstetric Services at AVRMC
Description: Rocky Ford Mayor Duane Gurule Requests Funding Support for AVRMC Obstetric Services from Colorado Governor Polis...
Rocky Ford Mayor Urges Governor Polis to Fund Critical Obstetric Services at AVRMC
Dear Governor Polis,
On behalf of the City of Rocky Ford, I write with urgency regarding the planned closure of obstetric (OB) services at Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center (AVRMC), announced for April 30, 2025. This closure would have a devastating impact on families in southeast Colorado, including my community, and I urge your leadership in helping us pursue the funding needed to keep these essential services accessible.
AVRMC is the only provider of OB services for our region, caring for expectant mothers across southeast Colorado. If these services end, families in Rocky Ford-many of whom rely on Medicaid-will face the significant hardship of traveling over 60 miles to Pueblo for care. This increased distance could delay critical care, putting both mothers and babies at risk. Rural areas like ours cannot endure such loss without far-reaching consequences for both public health and our community's long-term vitality.
The availability of local maternal healthcare is vital to the future of Rocky Ford and southeast Colorado. Families stay and grow in communities where they feel supported and cared for, and access to obstetric services is a cornerstone of that support. The closure of these services will further exacerbate maternal health disparities in our state, especially in rural counties like ours, where 40% are already considered maternity care deserts. Without intervention, we risk worsening inequities in Colorado's healthcare system, leading to higher rates of complications, preterm births, and maternal and infant mortality.
Governor Polis, this is a moment for leadership and collaboration. AVRMC estimates that a $1.5 million annual investment could sustain these services. While this funding alone won't address the deeper challenges facing rural healthcare, such as Medicaid underfunding and workforce shortages, it would be a critical lifeline for our region. Sustaining this care also positions us to pursue innovative, long-term solutions to close rural healthcare gaps and ensure equitable access for all Coloradans.
As the Mayors of southeast Colorado, we stand united in urging your action to prevent this closure. I formally request a meeting with you, along with Representative Ty Winter, Senator Rod Pelton, and regional Mayors, to discuss funding options and a sustainable path forward. Together, we can ensure that communities like Rocky Ford not only survive but thrive, with equitable access to life-saving healthcare services.
Thank you for your consideration, your leadership, and your commitment to supporting rural Colorado. I look forward to collaborating on this critical matter.
Sincerely,
Duane Gurule, Mayor City of Rocky Ford
Related Content:
Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center to End Obstetric Services by April 2025
